You didn't have to count the dollars collected for raffle items, low cost kid's attractions, or the $1.50 soda and hot dog or Duffy burgers to know the Anna Maria Island Community Center Family Fun Day put on by Chuck and Joey Lester with The Islander as co-sponsor was a success.

You could see smiles all over the place, on every face, young and old. Santa was happy. Saggy Aggy was happy. The kids were happy. Forty winners of frozen turkeys were happy. Parents, grandparents and family friends were all happy - happily snapping photos, making memories and sharing the fun and excitement of kids performances, holiday music and, especially for the younger children, visits with Santa.

"Saturday's fourth annual 'Lesters Family Fun Day' and the big-screen TV that The Islander donated for our raffle brought a big smile to the winner, said Sandee Pruett of the Center. "We had approximately 700 people walk through our Center's doors in just three hours and we raised a whopping $1,814.30!"

Pruett said attendance was up from previous years and, on behalf of the Center staff and executive director Pierrette Kelly, "We wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season and new year."

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